[Is the awareness of the risk of nuts aspiration related to the occupation of parents?].

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the social awareness of the risk of nuts aspiration and the relationship with the occupation of parents.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

From January 2013 to January 2014, a self-designed survey was distributed to 247 parents of patients under 14 years admitted to our centre, regardless of the reason for admission. The statistical significance was calculated using confidence intervals (CI). The Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyse the ignorance of this problem depending on the educational level extrapolated from the occupation of respondents.

RESULTS

247 parents responded to the survey. 60.3% (95% CI 54.1-66.2%) confirmed that nuts were included in birthday parties. 30.4% (95% CI 25-36.4%) confirmed that celebrations with nuts at their children's nursery were made. 42.1% (95% CI 36.1-48.3%) believed that nuts were harmless for their young children. The age of administration of nuts was independent on the educational level extrapolated of parents (χ2 = 10.721, p = 0.295), although it did influence on the ignorance of the danger of nuts (41.2% (95% CI 30.3-53%) of respondents with occupations that required higher educational level compared to 55.4% (95% CI 42.4-67.6%) of those with occupation that required less educational level (χ2 = 14.678, p = 0.002)).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the occupation, there is widespread ignorance concerning the age of introduction of nuts in children's diet. Given the incidence and severity of the risk of aspiration, more prevention programs are necessary, and Health Authorities should take side in public awareness of this problem.